In a world where headlines often magnify division and conflict, the Lord is quietly weaving together a much different story in the Land of Israel. It is a story not of hatred and separation, but of reconciliation, love, and brotherhood—where Jews and Arabs stand side by side as family, united in the goodness of God.
Recently, Pastor Saleem Shalash of Home of Jesus the King Church in Nazareth shared a powerful moment with his dear friend Rabbi Yosef from Migdal HaEmek. Their conversation was more than just words exchanged—it was a living testimony of what God is doing in our time: breaking down walls of hostility and raising up bridges of love.
As Pastor Saleem said with joy, “We have become not only friends but brothers. And what you see in the media is not true. We are Jews and Arabs living together. Jews bless Arabs, Arabs bless Jews.”
Rabbi Yosef, with warmth in his voice, echoed the same heart: “We have been friends for many years, thank God. As he said, we have become like brothers. And thank God, we do many good things together—on Rosh Hashanah, on Pesach, on Sukkot—all the holidays, with one hand, and one heart, as one man in one heart.”
This is the reality so often hidden from the world: Jews and Arabs, once thought to be eternal enemies, discovering in God that they are not opponents, but brothers and sisters.
A Blessing in Action
This friendship is not just symbolic—it is practical, tangible, and life-giving. With the help of our faithful partners around the world, Home of Jesus the King Church was able to bless Rabbi Yosef’s community in Migdal HaEmek with food boxes and sweet baskets this Rosh Hashanah. Families who might have struggled to celebrate the holiday with dignity were able to gather around their tables with joy, reminded that they are loved and remembered.
As Rabbi Yosef shared, their efforts come “with the help of God, out of a place of grace, as we move from house to house to make people happy.”
It is in these simple yet profound acts of kindness that the Kingdom of God is revealed. Where there once was suspicion, there is now trust. Where there once was pain, there is now healing. Where there once was separation, there is now unity.
The High Priestly Blessing
At the close of their time together, Rabbi Yosef lifted his voice and spoke the words of the ancient priestly blessing over Pastor Saleem, over the church, and over all who partner in this work:
“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
These words, first spoken thousands of years ago, now echo afresh over both Jews and Arabs, carrying God’s promise of peace and His Name resting upon His people.
A Picture of God’s Heart
The friendship between Pastor Saleem and Rabbi Yosef is a glimpse of God’s heart for His children. It is a prophetic sign of what He is doing in Israel today: raising up a testimony that transcends politics, fear, and division. Together, Jews and Arabs are shining the love of God, showing the world that reconciliation is possible through Him.
This Rosh Hashanah, as sweet baskets and food boxes were delivered, the gifts themselves became more than provision—they became symbols of the sweetness of God’s love, shared from one community to another.
And with every smile, every blessing spoken, and every act of kindness, the light of Yeshua shines brighter in the Land, reminding us all that God is still writing His story of redemption.